Séminaire - Solar System Cratering Chronology - Calibration of a Dating technique on the Moon and Mars - Stephanie Werner (Site Buffon)

Salle des Elèves, 2^e étage, 61 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris (entrer par le 43 rue Buffon, plan Vigipirates oblige)

Vendredi 25 janvier 2019, à 14 h 30

Stephanie Werner - Centre d’Evolution et Dynamique de la Terre, Université d’Oslo

Abstract

Solid surface planets are frequently covered with impact craters. The number of craters reflects the time since the surface started collecting craters. The detailed relation between number and time is described by so-called cratering chronology models. They also reflect the bombardment history in the solar system from asteroids and comets in the inner and outer solar system, respectively. Deciphering the bombardment history of terrestrial planets and Moon requires the combined study of sample ages and cratering statistics. Properly linked surface exposure and cratering allow geological studies in time and provide process rates. This year we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the first sample return from the Moon. Both disciplines, sample analyses (composition and age) and cratering statistics, thus carry interpretational heritage of half a century of work. This heritage affects our view on small body dynamical evolution, including a postulated phase of "late heavy bombardment", the rise and demise of Earth's creatures, and planetary system evolution in general.  I will present a review and a revision of the calibration of the cratering chronology models for Moon and Mars.